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QuikTrip Helps Curb Car Thefts

Chain posts friendly reminders for drivers to turn off their cars and take the keys.

April 3, 2008, 08:00 pm

TULSA, Okla. -- Car thefts in Tulsa are down about 27 percent compared to this time last year, thanks to a new partnership between the police and QuikTrip stores.

At the request of the police, the convenience chain is posting friendly remainders at all its stores to drivers who leave their cars running outside of stores while they are inside. The new signs, courtesy of QuikTrip, read "Did you remember to turn off your car and take your keys?" according to a report by KJRH TV.

The hope is that the signs will ensure their cars are still there when they come back.

The Tulsa Police Department came up with the idea. Detective Chip Bayles said the number of auto thefts fluctuates, but always peaks in the winter. "Last year, we were around 3,200 (thefts) for the year. The year before, we were at 2,900, which was a record low. Last year was our third lowest in 14 years," Bayles told the television station.

Tulsa, Okla.-based QuikTrip paid for, and designed, the temporary signs to help the police. "They are in our stores 24 hours a day, and anything we can do to make their jobs easier, we are going to do it," said QuikTrip spokesperson Mike Thornbrugh.

A city ordinance requires drivers not leave vehicles running or unattended. Police are encouraging other businesses to make signs similar to what QuikTrip has done.